Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Tunisia
Republic of Tunisia
CapitalTunis
Population12,348,573
GDP$57.5bn
Area163,610 km²
RegionMiddle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Many empires have controlled Tunisia, including the Phoenicians (as early as the 12 century B.C.), Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and Ottomans (16th to late-19th centuries). Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades after World War I finally convinced the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women. In 1987, Zine el Abidine BEN ALI replaced BOURGUIBA in a bloodless coup.
Street protests that began in Tunis in 2010 over high unemployment, corruption, widespread poverty, and high food prices escalated in 2011, culminating in rioting that led to hundreds of deaths and later became known as the start of the regional Arab Spring uprising. BEN ALI dismissed the government and fled the country, and a "national unity government" was formed. Elections for the new Constituent Assembly were held later that year, and human rights activist Moncef MARZOUKI was elected as interim president. The Assembly began drafting a new constitution in 2012 and, after several iterations and a months-long political crisis that stalled the transition, ratified the document in 2014. Parliamentary and presidential elections for a permanent government were held at the end of 2014. Beji CAID ESSEBSI was elected as the first president under the country's new constitution. After ESSEBSI’s death in office in 2019, Kais SAIED was elected. SAIED's term, as well as that of Tunisia's 217-member parliament, was set to expire in 2024. However, in 2021, SAIED used the exceptional powers allowed under Tunisia's constitution to dismiss the prime minister and suspend the legislature. Tunisians approved a new constitution through public referendum in 2022, expanding presidential powers and creating a new bicameral legislature.
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019Street protests that began in Tunis in 2010 over high unemployment, corruption, widespread poverty, and high food prices escalated in 2011, culminating in rioting that led to hundreds of deaths and later became known as the start of the regional Arab Spring uprising. BEN ALI dismissed the government and fled the country, and a "national unity government" was formed. Elections for the new Constituent Assembly were held later that year, and human rights activist Moncef MARZOUKI was elected as interim president. The Assembly began drafting a new constitution in 2012 and, after several iterations and a months-long political crisis that stalled the transition, ratified the document in 2014. Parliamentary and presidential elections for a permanent government were held at the end of 2014. Beji CAID ESSEBSI was elected as the first president under the country's new constitution. After ESSEBSI’s death in office in 2019, Kais SAIED was elected. SAIED's term, as well as that of Tunisia's 217-member parliament, was set to expire in 2024. However, in 2021, SAIED used the exceptional powers allowed under Tunisia's constitution to dismiss the prime minister and suspend the legislature. Tunisians approved a new constitution through public referendum in 2022, expanding presidential powers and creating a new bicameral legislature.
Geography
Location
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 163,610 sq km
land: 155,360 sq km
water: 8,250 sq km
land: 155,360 sq km
water: 8,250 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Georgia
Land boundaries
total: 1,495 km
border countries: Algeria 1,034 km; Libya 461 km
border countries: Algeria 1,034 km; Libya 461 km
Coastline
1,148 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
Climate
temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south
Terrain
mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara
Elevation
highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m
lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
mean elevation: 246 m
lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m
mean elevation: 246 m
Natural resources
petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt
Land use
agricultural land: 62.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 18.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 13.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 30.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.5% (2023 est.)
other: 33.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 18.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 13.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 30.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.5% (2023 est.)
other: 33.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
3,920 sq km (2013)
Reference: 2013Major aquifers
North Western Sahara Aquifer System
Population distribution
the overwhelming majority of the population is located in the northern half of the country; the south remains largely underpopulated, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
flooding; earthquakes; droughts
Geography - note
strategic location in central Mediterranean
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Tunisian(s)
adjective: Tunisian
adjective: Tunisian
Ethnic groups
Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Languages
Languages: Arabic (official, one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce), Tamazight
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن كتاب تتعلم به المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: despite having no official status, French plays a major role in the country and is spoken by about two thirds of the population
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن كتاب تتعلم به المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: despite having no official status, French plays a major role in the country and is spoken by about two thirds of the population
Religions
Muslim (official; Sunni) 99%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim, and Baha'i)
Age structure
0-14 years: 24.4% (male 1,516,871/female 1,426,522)
15-64 years: 65.2% (male 3,861,731/female 3,990,802)
65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 593,640/female 659,281)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65.2% (male 3,861,731/female 3,990,802)
65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 593,640/female 659,281)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 37.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 37.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 34.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 33.6 years
female: 35.1 years
Reference: 2024male: 33.6 years
female: 35.1 years
Population growth rate
0.58% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
13.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
6.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the overwhelming majority of the population is located in the northern half of the country; the south remains largely underpopulated, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
2.475 million TUNIS (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
36 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 93.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 6.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 93.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 6.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.32 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Hospital bed density
2.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
26.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.99 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 19% (2025 est.)
male: 37.6% (2025 est.)
female: 1.4% (2025 est.)
male: 37.6% (2025 est.)
female: 1.4% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
1.6% (2018 est.)
Reference: 2018Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0% (2018)
women married by age 18: 1.5% (2018)
men married by age 18: 0% (2018)
Reference: 2018women married by age 18: 1.5% (2018)
men married by age 18: 0% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2016 est.)
male: 14 years (2016 est.)
female: 15 years (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016male: 14 years (2016 est.)
female: 15 years (2016 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 12,575 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Sarra Zaafrani | — | 2025-03-21 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Kais Saied | — | 2019-10-23 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Tunisia
conventional short form: Tunisia
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
local short form: Tunis
etymology: the country name derives from the capital city of Tunis
conventional short form: Tunisia
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah
local short form: Tunis
etymology: the country name derives from the capital city of Tunis
Capital
name: Tunis
geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the ancient name is unclear; it is sometimes associated with the name of the Phoenician goddess Tanith
geographic coordinates: 36 48 N, 10 11 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the ancient name is unclear; it is sometimes associated with the name of the Phoenician goddess Tanith
Administrative divisions
24 governorates (wilayat, singular - wilayah); Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart), Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al Qasrayn), Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), L'Ariana (Aryanah), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah), Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bouzid (Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar), Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)
Legal system
mixed system of civil law, based on the French civil code and Islamic (sharia) law; Supreme Court reviews some legislative acts in joint session
Constitution
history: several previous; latest draft published by the president 30 June 2022, approved by referendum 25 July 2022, and adopted 27 July 2022
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or one third of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People membership; following Constitutional Court review, approval to proceed requires an absolute majority vote in the Assembly, and final passage requires a two-thirds Assembly majority vote; the president can opt to submit an amendment to a referendum, which requires an absolute majority of votes cast for passage
Reference: 2022amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or one third of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People membership; following Constitutional Court review, approval to proceed requires an absolute majority vote in the Assembly, and final passage requires a two-thirds Assembly majority vote; the president can opt to submit an amendment to a referendum, which requires an absolute majority of votes cast for passage
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Tunisia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Tunisia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal except for active government security forces (including the police and the military), people with mental disabilities, people who have served more than three months in prison (criminal cases only), and people given a suspended sentence of more than six months
Executive branch
chief of state: President Kais SAIED (since 23 October 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Sarra ZAAFRANI Zenzri (since 21 March 2025)
cabinet: prime minister appointed by the president; cabinet members appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 6 October 2024
election results: 2024: Kais SAIED reelected president in first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 90.7%, Ayachi ZAMMEL (Long Live Tunisia) 7.3%, Zouhair MAGHZAOUI (People's Movement) 2%
2019: Kais SAIED elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 18.4%, Nabil KAROUI (Heart of Tunisia) 15.6%, Abdelfattah MOUROU (Nahda Movement) 12.9%, Abdelkrim ZBIDI (independent) 10.7%, Youssef CHAHED (Long Live Tunisia) 7.4%, Safi SAID (independent) 7.1%, Lotfi MRAIHI (Republican People's Union) 6.6%, other 21.3%; percent of vote in second round - Kais SAIED 72.7%, Nabil KAROUI 27.3%
expected date of next election: 2029
note: note: the president can dismiss any member of government on his own initiative or in consultation with the prime minister
Reference: 2029, 2025, 2024, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Sarra ZAAFRANI Zenzri (since 21 March 2025)
cabinet: prime minister appointed by the president; cabinet members appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)
most recent election date: 6 October 2024
election results: 2024: Kais SAIED reelected president in first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 90.7%, Ayachi ZAMMEL (Long Live Tunisia) 7.3%, Zouhair MAGHZAOUI (People's Movement) 2%
2019: Kais SAIED elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 18.4%, Nabil KAROUI (Heart of Tunisia) 15.6%, Abdelfattah MOUROU (Nahda Movement) 12.9%, Abdelkrim ZBIDI (independent) 10.7%, Youssef CHAHED (Long Live Tunisia) 7.4%, Safi SAID (independent) 7.1%, Lotfi MRAIHI (Republican People's Union) 6.6%, other 21.3%; percent of vote in second round - Kais SAIED 72.7%, Nabil KAROUI 27.3%
expected date of next election: 2029
note: note: the president can dismiss any member of government on his own initiative or in consultation with the prime minister
Legislative branch
legislative structure: bicameral
note: note: in 2022, President SAIED issued a new electoral law that requires all legislative candidates to run as independents
Reference: 2022note: note: in 2022, President SAIED issued a new electoral law that requires all legislative candidates to run as independents
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: Assembly of People's Representatives (Majlis Nawwab ash-Sha'ab)
number of seats: 161 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/17/2022 to 1/29/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 15.8%
expected date of next election: December 2027
Reference: 2027, 2023, 2022number of seats: 161 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 12/17/2022 to 1/29/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 15.8%
expected date of next election: December 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: National Council of Regions and Districts
number of seats: 77 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/19/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13%
expected date of next election: April 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 77 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/19/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 13%
expected date of next election: April 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation (consists of the first president, chamber presidents, and magistrates; organized into 27 civil and 11 criminal chambers)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council, an independent 4-part body consisting mainly of elected judges and the remainder legal specialists; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; Constitutional Court (established in the 2014 and 2022 constitutions, but never implemented)
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; administrative courts; Court of Audit; Housing Court; courts of first instance; lower district courts; military courts
note: note: the Tunisian constitution of January 2014 called for the establishment of a constitutional court by the end of 2015, but the court was never formed; the new constitution of July 2022 calls for the establishment of a constitutional court consisting of 9 members appointed by presidential decree; members to include former senior judges of other courts
Reference: 2022, 2015, 2014judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council, an independent 4-part body consisting mainly of elected judges and the remainder legal specialists; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; Constitutional Court (established in the 2014 and 2022 constitutions, but never implemented)
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; administrative courts; Court of Audit; Housing Court; courts of first instance; lower district courts; military courts
note: note: the Tunisian constitution of January 2014 called for the establishment of a constitutional court by the end of 2015, but the court was never formed; the new constitution of July 2022 calls for the establishment of a constitutional court consisting of 9 members appointed by presidential decree; members to include former senior judges of other courts
Political parties
Afek Tounes
Al Badil Al-Tounisi (The Tunisian Alternative)
Al-Amal Party
Call for Tunisia Party (Nidaa Tounes)
Current of Love (formerly the Popular Petition party)
Democratic Current
Democratic Patriots' Unified Party
Dignity Coalition or Al Karama Coalition
Ennahda Movement (The Renaissance)
Ettakatol Party
Free Destourian Party or PDL
Green Tunisia Party
Harakat Hak
Heart of Tunisia (Qalb Tounes)
July 25 Movement
Labor and Achievement Party
Long Live Tunisia (Tahya Tounes)
Movement of Socialist Democrats or MDS
National Coalition Party
National Salvation Front
New Carthage Party
Party of the Democratic Arab Vanguard
People's Movement
Republican Party (Al Joumhouri)
The Movement Party (Hizb Harak)
Third Republic Party
Tunisian Ba'ath Movement
Voice of the Republic
Workers' Party
note: note: President SAIED in 2022 issued a decree that forbids political parties' participation in legislative elections; although parties remain a facet of Tunisian political life, they have lost significant influence
Reference: 2022Al Badil Al-Tounisi (The Tunisian Alternative)
Al-Amal Party
Call for Tunisia Party (Nidaa Tounes)
Current of Love (formerly the Popular Petition party)
Democratic Current
Democratic Patriots' Unified Party
Dignity Coalition or Al Karama Coalition
Ennahda Movement (The Renaissance)
Ettakatol Party
Free Destourian Party or PDL
Green Tunisia Party
Harakat Hak
Heart of Tunisia (Qalb Tounes)
July 25 Movement
Labor and Achievement Party
Long Live Tunisia (Tahya Tounes)
Movement of Socialist Democrats or MDS
National Coalition Party
National Salvation Front
New Carthage Party
Party of the Democratic Arab Vanguard
People's Movement
Republican Party (Al Joumhouri)
The Movement Party (Hizb Harak)
Third Republic Party
Tunisian Ba'ath Movement
Voice of the Republic
Workers' Party
note: note: President SAIED in 2022 issued a decree that forbids political parties' participation in legislative elections; although parties remain a facet of Tunisian political life, they have lost significant influence
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Anis HAJRI (since 1 August 2025)
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
email address and website: AT.Washington@Tunisiaembassy.org
https://www.tunisianembassy.org/
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
email address and website: AT.Washington@Tunisiaembassy.org
https://www.tunisianembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Bill BAZZI (since 21 November 2025)
embassy: Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis
mailing address: 6360 Tunis Place, Washington DC 20521-6360
telephone: [216] 71-107-000
FAX: [216] 71-107-090
email address and website: tuniswebsitecontact@state.gov
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis
mailing address: 6360 Tunis Place, Washington DC 20521-6360
telephone: [216] 71-107-000
FAX: [216] 71-107-090
email address and website: tuniswebsitecontact@state.gov
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
20 March 1956 (from France)
Reference: 1956National holiday
Independence Day, 20 March (1956); Revolution and Youth Day, 14 January (2011)
Reference: 2011, 1956Flag
description: red with a white disk in the center that displays a red crescent around a five-pointed red star
meaning: red stands for martyrs' blood shed the fight against oppression, and white for peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
history: resembles the Ottoman flag (red banner with white crescent and star), a reference to Tunisia's history as part of the Ottoman Empire
meaning: red stands for martyrs' blood shed the fight against oppression, and white for peace; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam
history: resembles the Ottoman flag (red banner with white crescent and star), a reference to Tunisia's history as part of the Ottoman Empire
National symbol(s)
red crescent moon and five-pointed star in a white circle
National color(s)
red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Humat Al Hima" (Defenders of the Homeland)
lyrics/music: Mustafa Sadik AL-RAFII and Aboul-Qacem ECHEBBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
history: adopted 1957, replaced 1958, restored 1987; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of the United Arab Emirates
Reference: 1987, 1958, 1957lyrics/music: Mustafa Sadik AL-RAFII and Aboul-Qacem ECHEBBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB
history: adopted 1957, replaced 1958, restored 1987; Mohamad Abdel WAHAB also composed the music for the anthem of the United Arab Emirates
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 9 (8 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Amphitheatre of El Jem (c); Archaeological Site of Carthage (c); Medina of Tunis (c); Ichkeul National Park (n); Punic Town of Kerkuane (c); Kairouan (c); Medina of Sousse (c); Dougga / Thugga (c); Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Amphitheatre of El Jem (c); Archaeological Site of Carthage (c); Medina of Tunis (c); Ichkeul National Park (n); Punic Town of Kerkuane (c); Kairouan (c); Medina of Sousse (c); Dougga / Thugga (c); Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory (c)
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly of the Representatives of the People | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income North African economy; drafting reforms for foreign lenders; high unemployment, especially for youth and women; hit hard by COVID-19; high public sector wages; high public debt; protectionist austerity measures; key EU trade partner
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $156.086 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $154.006 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $153.945 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $154.006 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $153.945 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $12,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $12,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $12,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $12,600 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $12,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.3% (2023 est.)
industry: 23.6% (2023 est.)
services: 62.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 23.6% (2023 est.)
services: 62.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 76.2% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 18.6% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 13.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 48.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -56.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 18.6% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 13.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 48.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -56.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, tomatoes, olives, onions, chillies/peppers, watermelons, potatoes, wheat, dates, oranges (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate, iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages
Industrial production growth rate
-2.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
4.247 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 40.1% (2024 est.)
male: 41.1% (2024 est.)
female: 37.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 41.1% (2024 est.)
female: 37.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
16.6% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 33.7 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 22.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 3.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.1% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 27% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 27% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 6.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 6.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 6.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 6.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $10.866 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $12.375 billion (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019expenditures: $12.375 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 62.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$1.111 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$3.969 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.77 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$3.969 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.77 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $19.732 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $17.254 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.054 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $17.254 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.054 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
France 22%, Italy 17%, Germany 13%, USA 4%, Libya 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, insulated wire, olive oil, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $21.953 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $22.453 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $18.178 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $22.453 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $18.178 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Italy 13%, France 12%, China 10%, Russia 8%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, plastic products, cars, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $9.344 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $9.24 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.094 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $9.24 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $8.094 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $21.212 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 3.107 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 3.106 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 3.104 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.794 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.812 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 3.107 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 3.106 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 3.104 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.794 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.812 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$1.111 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$3.969 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.77 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$3.969 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$2.77 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $19.732 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $17.254 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.054 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $17.254 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.054 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
France 22%, Italy 17%, Germany 13%, USA 4%, Libya 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, insulated wire, olive oil, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $21.953 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $22.453 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $18.178 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $22.453 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $18.178 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Italy 13%, France 12%, China 10%, Russia 8%, Germany 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, plastic products, cars, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 6.639 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 19.153 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 80 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 2.576 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 19.153 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 80 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 2.576 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 4.629 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 96.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 2,000 metric tons (2022 est.)
exports: 28 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022exports: 28 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 35,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 104,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 425 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 104,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 425 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 1.313 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 5.131 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 3.887 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 65.129 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 5.131 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 3.887 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 65.129 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 33.754 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.863 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
36 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.32 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Hospital bed density
2.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
26.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 19% (2025 est.)
male: 37.6% (2025 est.)
female: 1.4% (2025 est.)
male: 37.6% (2025 est.)
female: 1.4% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2016 est.)
male: 14 years (2016 est.)
female: 15 years (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016male: 14 years (2016 est.)
female: 15 years (2016 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of civil law, based on the French civil code and Islamic (sharia) law; Supreme Court reviews some legislative acts in joint session
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation (consists of the first president, chamber presidents, and magistrates; organized into 27 civil and 11 criminal chambers)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council, an independent 4-part body consisting mainly of elected judges and the remainder legal specialists; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; Constitutional Court (established in the 2014 and 2022 constitutions, but never implemented)
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; administrative courts; Court of Audit; Housing Court; courts of first instance; lower district courts; military courts
note: note: the Tunisian constitution of January 2014 called for the establishment of a constitutional court by the end of 2015, but the court was never formed; the new constitution of July 2022 calls for the establishment of a constitutional court consisting of 9 members appointed by presidential decree; members to include former senior judges of other courts
Reference: 2022, 2015, 2014judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council, an independent 4-part body consisting mainly of elected judges and the remainder legal specialists; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; Constitutional Court (established in the 2014 and 2022 constitutions, but never implemented)
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; administrative courts; Court of Audit; Housing Court; courts of first instance; lower district courts; military courts
note: note: the Tunisian constitution of January 2014 called for the establishment of a constitutional court by the end of 2015, but the court was never formed; the new constitution of July 2022 calls for the establishment of a constitutional court consisting of 9 members appointed by presidential decree; members to include former senior judges of other courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Tunisian Armed Forces (Forces Armées Tunisiennes, FAT): Tunisian Army (includes Air Defense Force), Tunisian Navy, Tunisia Air Force
Ministry of Interior (MoI): Internal Security Forces (National Police, National Guard) (2025)
note: note: the National Police has primary responsibility for law enforcement in the major cities, while the National Guard (gendarmerie) oversees border security and patrols smaller towns and rural areas
Ministry of Interior (MoI): Internal Security Forces (National Police, National Guard) (2025)
note: note: the National Police has primary responsibility for law enforcement in the major cities, while the National Guard (gendarmerie) oversees border security and patrols smaller towns and rural areas
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 35,000 active-duty Armed Forces (25,000 Army; 5,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Tunisian military's inventory consists mostly of older or second-hand equipment from a wide variety of suppliers, including Brazil, China, Turkey, and the US, as well as several European countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-23 years of age for voluntary service for men and women; 20-23 years of age for compulsory (national) service for men with a 12-month service obligation; individuals engaged in higher education or vocational training programs prior to their military drafting are allowed to delay service until they have completed their programs (up to age 35); exemptions allowed for males considered to a family's sole provider (2023)
note: note: women have been allowed in the service since 1975 as volunteers; as of 2023, women constituted about 8% of the military and served in all three services
Reference: 2023, 1975note: note: women have been allowed in the service since 1975 as volunteers; as of 2023, women constituted about 8% of the military and served in all three services
Military deployments
775 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Tunisian Armed Forces (FAT) are responsible for territorial defense and internal security; operational areas of focus include counterterrorism and assisting with securing the border regions, particularly along the frontiers with Algerian and Libya
the FAT conducts bilateral and multinational training exercises with a variety of countries, including Algeria and other North African and Middle Eastern countries, France, and the US, as well as NATO; it also participates in UN peacekeeping operations; Tunisia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2025)
the FAT conducts bilateral and multinational training exercises with a variety of countries, including Algeria and other North African and Middle Eastern countries, France, and the US, as well as NATO; it also participates in UN peacekeeping operations; Tunisia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Anis HAJRI (since 1 August 2025)
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
email address and website: AT.Washington@Tunisiaembassy.org
https://www.tunisianembassy.org/
chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850
FAX: [1] (202) 862-1858
email address and website: AT.Washington@Tunisiaembassy.org
https://www.tunisianembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Bill BAZZI (since 21 November 2025)
embassy: Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis
mailing address: 6360 Tunis Place, Washington DC 20521-6360
telephone: [216] 71-107-000
FAX: [216] 71-107-090
email address and website: tuniswebsitecontact@state.gov
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis
mailing address: 6360 Tunis Place, Washington DC 20521-6360
telephone: [216] 71-107-000
FAX: [216] 71-107-090
email address and website: tuniswebsitecontact@state.gov
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Arab League (Arab League) | member | 1958-10-01 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1956-11-12 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 12,575 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Tunisia was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report-174/
Terrorist group(s)
Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) network in Tunisia (known locally as Ajnad al-Khilafah or the Army of the Caliphate); al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TS
Airports
14 (2025)
Heliports
11 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,173 km (2014) (1,991 in use)
standard gauge: 471 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,694 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)
dual gauge: 8 km (2014) 1.435-1.000-m gauge
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 471 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,694 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)
dual gauge: 8 km (2014) 1.435-1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 72 (2023)
by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 62
Reference: 2023by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 62
Ports
total ports: 16 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 3
small: 7
very small: 6
ports with oil terminals: 10
key ports: Ashtart Oil Terminal, Banzart, Didon Terminal, Gabes, La Goulette, Menzel Bourguiba, Mersa Sfax, Sousse, Tazerka Oil Terminal, Tunis
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 3
small: 7
very small: 6
ports with oil terminals: 10
key ports: Ashtart Oil Terminal, Banzart, Didon Terminal, Gabes, La Goulette, Menzel Bourguiba, Mersa Sfax, Sousse, Tazerka Oil Terminal, Tunis
Environment
Environmental issues
toxic and hazardous waste disposal; water pollution from raw sewage; limited freshwater resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Climate
temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south
Land use
agricultural land: 62.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 18.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 13.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 30.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.5% (2023 est.)
other: 33.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 18.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 13.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 30.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.5% (2023 est.)
other: 33.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 70.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 24.645 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 14.249 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 10.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 14.249 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 10.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
26.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 88 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 94.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 97.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 94.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 97.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.7 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 815.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 61.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 2.71 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 61.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 2.71 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
4.615 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.863 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
2 state-owned TV stations; 10 private local TV stations; satellite TV service available; state-owned radio network with 2 stations; several dozen private radio stations and community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.tn
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 11,528,674 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 11,650,498 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 11,765,514 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 11,875,081 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 11,974,057 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 12,048,622 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 12,119,334 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 12,200,431 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 12,277,109 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 12,348,573 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $44,360,072,680 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $42,163,530,591 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $42,686,504,460 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $41,905,642,419 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $42,491,780,918 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $47,073,234,359 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $44,929,920,093 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $48,205,328,303 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $51,412,122,480 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $57,502,836,548 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 60,145 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 63,201 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 453,179 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 466,515 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 482,798 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 526,777 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 569,831 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 619,432 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 674,089 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 715,249 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -23,827 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -22,365 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -21,012 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -19,612 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -19,188 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -9,190 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -14,001 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -14,001 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -15,221 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -14,523 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,348,573 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 12,415,139 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 11,565,204 | 2018 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 63,201 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 715,249 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -14,523 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 2,386 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 5,523 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 3,711 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 10,338 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.687 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.088 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.482 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.201 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.028 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.122 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.542 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 1 January 1914 (as the Regency of Tunis); Penalty: 3 years imprisonment. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $57,502,836,548 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $4,657 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 5.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 15.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 76.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.8 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 70.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 76.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 46.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 54.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 101.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 86.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 90.3% | 2016 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,629 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 11.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 9.7 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 4.6% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 117.6 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 15.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 912 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 36.7899° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 10.2100° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 34.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 10.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00, Central European Time, Africa/Tunis | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic, semi-presidential system, presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33